Bag computer system and bag apparatus

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a system comprised of a bag and computer combination which allows the bag wearer to quickly access and use a computer while mobile. The system can be in three forms and all three are used in the same way: a pivoting cover is moved out of the way to expose a display which pivots into the line of sight of the wearer/operator. When assembled, all the components are physically connected and electrical components are electrically connected. Additional components include a keyboard or write pad mounted on the pivoting cover or on a separate pivoting mount near the center bag front, a display prop which braces the display in various angular positions and side pockets fitted for peripherals. An example is cited using a bag with flap mounts and equipment which mounts to the flaps using clamps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuing application of copending patentapplication Ser. No. 12/216,650, filed on Jul. 9, 2008, which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/796,920, filed May1, 2007, and which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/799,011, filed May 1, 2007. The disclosures of all of these U.S.patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a computer bag designed to mountcomputer equipment on its front, computer equipment and system formobile use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The more people use computers the more they want to use them whilemoving around. The most common portable computers are handhelds andlaptops.

Handhelds are conveniently used while moving. But, because of theirsmall size, cannot display standard internet or Windows programming.They have to be held, thus disabling at least one hand. Standard typingis impossible and the small size limits many other computer function.

The laptop, while portable and providing for standard desktop features,is too awkward to be carried and used at the same time. There have beenadaptations to computer bags to deal with this problem. For example,there are convertible carrying cases such as the computer support6381127 consisting of a carrying bag and shoulder/back straps. Thisinvention can be a carrying case and then be converted into a laptopsuspension system for operation in front of the operator. However, thereis considerable set up to use this invention and, when set up for use,it is bulky and awkward.

There are also wearable computing systems where the computer can be bothcarried and operated at the same time. For example, are vests such asthe Wearable Harness with equipment pockets 6443347. There are beltssuch as the wearable belt/vest including a fold out display panel2002/0074570. These have the restrictions of specialized and possiblyunstylish apparatuses that are unusual and must be worn. They alsosupport only small displays and have no storage room for sizable generalcargo.

The inventions of application Ser. Nos. 11/796,920 and 11/799,011describing a computer and a bag with components including a bag, adisplay, a display back touchpad, a cover, a keyboard, a electronicwrite pad, an inside mounting structure and a computing unit with one ortwo panels. This application is a continuation of and includesimprovements to these inventions. The number of components, theirspecial relationship and means of usage characterize an innovativesystem and method.

The objectives of the bag computer include:

A mobile computer, when closed, looks like a regular bag and can beeasily mixed with any normal apparel the operator might be wearing.

A mobile computer that can be accessed and ready to use in less than 3seconds with no need to dig into the bag's interior.

A mobile computer with a display large enough to show standard desk topinternet and Windows programming.

A mobile computer what will support a keyboard with standard size keysthat can be used with two hands held in a natural position.

A mobile computer that has a large graphic user interface surfacelocated conveniently and does not interfere with display usage.

A mobile computer that leaves the operator's hands free to be used forother chores

A mobile computer that cannot be dropped or left behind.

A mobile computer that can be used standing, sitting or lying down.

A mobile computer bag that has a sizable cargo area to carry generalcargo, peripherals or batteries.

A mobile computer bag that can be replaced for style or wear whilekeeping the same computer equipment.

Other benefits of this invention will become more apparent withdescription.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bag computer is the combination of a bag and computer which allows thebag wearer to quickly access and use a computer while mobile. The bagcomputer system can be in three forms and all three are used in the sameway: a pivoting cover is moved out of the way to expose a display whichpivots around the area near the junction of the front and top bag wallsand into the line of sight of the wearer/operator. The three formsare; 1) a computer with a computing unit panel and a display panelhinged together with a computer support structure on the bag holding thecomputing unit panel to the bag so the display can pivot around thecorner of the top and front bag walls; 2) a display panel, with acomputing unit inside the panel, removably and pivotally attached nearthe corner of the top and front bag walls; 3) a display panel removablyand pivotally attached to the corner of the top and front bag walls andelectrically connected to its computing unit found in a separatecomputing unit panel which is mounted in a computer support structureson the inside of the bag's front wall. With components installed and thesystem ready for use, all the components are physically connected. Theelectrical components are electrically connected by wire or wireless.

In each case there is a pivoting cover which defines the outside bagfront computing equipment storage area and covers and protects thedisplay on the display panel.

In addition, there may be a molded cover or manual character inputdevice, such as a keyboard or electronic write pad, attached to theinside surface of the pivoting cover. The cover may be shaped to fit thestored display panel and may be configured as a receptacle to accept aremovable manual character input device insert containing the operativeinterface for the input device.

Instead, the molded cover, manual character input device or receptaclemay be pivotally attached to the bag by a separate pivoting mount foundnear the center of the bag front.

Side pockets with rigid inserts matching a desired removable peripheralmay be on the bag's side walls with electrical connection provides toconnect the peripheral to the bag's computing unit.

As an example of the bag which forms the central holder for the bagcomputer components, a bag is described which has pivoting attachmentsconsisting of flexible fabric attachment flaps matching the clamp jawsfound on the display, cover, receptacle or manual character input deviceedge. There may be openings in the bag's front wall to allow electricalwires from the outside equipment to pass to the bag's interior. Thebag's attachment flaps may be double layered with a passage to lead andcover wiring from the computer equipment through to the front wallopening and bag interior. This bag has a computer support structureattached to the inside of the bag front wall for holding the computingunit panel in place for electrical connection to the display and, ifpresent, manual character input device. The computing unit panels alsoacts as a rigid front panel support to flatten the bag front and makethe pivoting equipment store better against the bag front.

In addition, the bag may have a display prop which braces between thebag front and display panel back to hold the flap mounted display panelat various angular positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A This is a front view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer inthe stored position.

FIG. 1B This is a side view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer in thestored position.

FIG. 2 This is the bag computer with the cover closed in storedposition.

FIG. 3 This is the bag computer with the cover open, the display panelpivoted flat against the bag front and the keyboard ready for use.

FIG. 4 This is a side view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer andusing it sitting with the cover open, the display panel pivoted flatagainst the bag front and the keyboard ready for use.

FIG. 5A This is a front view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer whilestanding, viewing the display on the display panel and manipulating theinput controls on the display panel.

FIG. 5B This is a side view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer whilestanding, viewing the display on the display panel and manipulating theinput controls on the display panel.

FIG. 6A This is a front view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer whilestanding, viewing the display on the display panel and typing on thekeyboard.

FIG. 6B This is a side view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer whilestanding, viewing the display on the display panel and typing on thekeyboard.

FIG. 7 This is the bag computer with the cover open, the display panelpivoted approximately perpendicular to the bag front with the displayfacing up for viewing by the wearer and the keyboard ready for use.

FIG. 8 This is the bag computer with the cover open, the display panelpivoted approximately parallel to the bag front but above the bag topwith the display facing back for viewing by the wearer from behind thebag and the keyboard ready for use.

FIG. 9 This is a side view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer whilesitting, viewing the display on the display panel from behind the bagand manipulating the input controls on the display panel.

FIG. 10 This is a side view of a mannequin wearing a bag computer whilelaying down, viewing the display on the display panel from behind thebag and manipulating the input controls on the display panel.

FIG. 11 This view of the bag computer shows the back side of the displaypanel with its controls, the bag prop and the receptacle to hold amanual character input device.

FIG. 12 This view of the bag computer shows the computer supportstructure on the bag front to hold the body of a two panel computer withpivoting display.

FIG. 13 This view of the bag computer shows a single panel computer withinternal computing unit attachable to the bag with matching/pivotingattachment.

FIG. 14A This is an exploded view of the bag computer showing internalcomputer support structure components and outside side pockets withmatching rigid peripheral holder.

FIG. 14B This is a view of the inside of the bag computer's front wallwith internal computer support structure components ready to accept acomputing unit panel.

FIG. 15 This is a high level functional block diagram of the bagcomputer system. The dotted line enclosed the essential components.

FIG. 16 This is detailed functional block diagram of the top bagposition for the display found in the high level functional blockdiagram.

FIG. 17 This is detailed functional block diagram of the bottom bagposition for manual character input device (MCID)/cover components foundin the high level functional block diagram.

FIG. 18 This is detailed functional block diagram of the pivoting coverfound in the high level functional block diagram.

FIG. 19A This is the bag computer with pivoting computer equipmentmounts adapted for clamp attachment with the cover closed and theequipment stored.

FIG. 19B This is the bag computer with pivoting computer equipmentmounts adapted for clamp attachment with the cover open, a display panelclamped to the top equipment mount and pivoted for the operator/wearerto view the display from above.

FIG. 20A The bag is shown with one attachment flap at the top front ofthe bag ready for clamping a display in place.

FIG. 20B In this magnified view, the display's clamp jaws are shown.They are adapted to match and clamp to the flexible fabric attachmentflap on the bag.

FIG. 21 In this example, the attachment flaps matching the computerequipment clamps are divided into two right and left attachment flapswhich pivot on the same horizontal axis.

FIG. 22 This bag has a computer equipment support structure, in thisexample a holster, holding a computing panel and its display in placenear the top front of the bag while a pivoting computer equipmentattachment flap is used to hold the manual character input device inplace in the bottom equipment position near the center front of the bag.

FIG. 23A This bag, with both a top and bottom attachment flap, haselectrical access openings leading through the attachments flap and bagfront to the bag interior. The electrical connections are part of thecomputer equipment.

FIG. 23B This is a magnified view of the computer equipment clamp jawsused to attach to the attachment flap.

FIG. 23C This is a magnified view of the electrical access opening onthe edge and through two layers of the attachment flap.

FIG. 24A This is an exploded view of the bag computer showing part ofthe inside computing unit support structure.

FIG. 24B This is a view of the inside surface of the bag's front wallshowing part of the inside computing unit support structure and theelectrical access openings.

FIG. 25 In this drawing other features of the bag, such as side pocketswith rigid holders, display panel prop and sound openings, are shown.

FIG. 26A This is a drawing of the bag computer with pivoting flapattachments and a display panel prop to hold up the display panel forviewing by the operator.

FIG. 26B This is a magnified view of the display panel prop base, barand display panel back receptacles.

FIG. 27A This is a side view plan of the bag computer with a frictionprop and the display panel in stored position.

FIG. 27B This is a side view plan of the bag computer with a frictionprop and the display panel in the 90 degree viewing position.

FIG. 27C This is a magnified view of the friction prop area of the bagcomputer display panel in the 90 degree viewing position.

FIG. 27D This is a side view plan of the bag computer with a frictionprop and the display panel in the 180 degree viewing position.

FIG. 27E This is a magnified view of the friction prop area of the bagcomputer display panel in the 180 degree viewing position.

FIG. 27F This is a front view plan of the bag computer with a frictionprop and the display panel in the 180 degree viewing position.

FIG. 28A This is a side view plan of the bag computer with a slidingprop with button lock and the display panel in the 180 degree viewingposition.

FIG. 28B This is a magnified view of the sliding prop with button lockarea of the bag computer display panel in the 180 degree viewingposition.

FIG. 29A This is a side view plan of the bag computer with a slidingprop with lever lock and the display panel in the 180 degree viewingposition.

FIG. 29B This is a magnified view of the sliding prop with lever lockarea of the bag computer display panel in the 180 degree viewingposition.

FIG. 30A This is a side view plan of the bag computer with a frictionhinge prop and the display panel in stored position.

FIG. 30B This is a side view plan of the bag computer with a frictionhinge prop and the display panel in the 90 degree viewing position.

FIG. 30C This is a magnified view of the friction hinge prop area of thebag computer display panel in the 90 degree viewing position.

FIG. 30D This is a magnified view of the friction hinge prop area of thebag computer display panel in the 90 degree viewing position.

FIG. 30E This is a side view plan of the bag computer with a frictionhinge prop and the display panel in the 180 degree viewing position.

FIG. 30F This is a magnified view of the friction hinge prop area of thebag computer display panel in the 180 degree viewing position.

FIG. 31 This is a view of the friction hinge display panel prop withoutthe bag

FIG. 32 This is a view showing that two or more display panel props canbe used with the bag computer.

FIG. 33A This is a plan view of the front side of the display panel withthe display visible.

FIG. 33B This is a plan view of the side of the display panel.

FIG. 33C This is a plan view of the attachment edge of the display panelwith the clamp connection and electrical connection visible.

FIG. 33D This is a plan view of the side of the display panel showinghow the front side display part and back side pointing device partattach together.

FIG. 33E This is a magnified side view of the clamp area of the displaypanel.

FIG. 33F This is a magnified attachment edge view of the clamp area ofthe display panel showing the electrical connection and channel for itin the clamp jaws.

FIG. 34A This is a view of the bag computer with the cover closed andthe equipment stored.

FIG. 34B This is a view of the bag computer with the cover open and thetwo panel computer unfolded and pivoted out for viewing and operating.

FIG. 34C This is a magnified view of the two panel computer for bagcomputer use with a display panel and intermediate panel includingcomputing equipment and keyboard.

FIG. 35A This is the bag computer with the display panel pivoted so thatthe display panel prop with display panel back side receptacles and bagfront prop base are visible.

FIG. 35B This is a magnified view of the bag prop area of the bagcomputer.

FIG. 36A This is the bag computer with short flexible fabric attachmentflap on the bag and clamp connection to match it on the display panel'sattachment edge. The electrical connection is also visible.

FIG. 36B This is a magnified view of the display panel clamp connectionarea with clamp jaws.

FIG. 37A This is another version of the bag computer with clampconnection wherein the attachment flap has a thickened distal edge tomatch the display panel clamp jaws.

FIG. 37B This is a magnified view of the display panel clamp connectionarea with a channel in the pivoting clamp jaws to match the bag'sattachment flap.

FIG. 38 This is a magnified view of the display panel clamp connectionarea with an alternative clamp jaw arrangement having a levered clamp.

FIG. 39A This is another version of the bag computer with clampconnection wherein one of the clamp jaws is removable.

FIG. 39B This is a magnified view of the display panel clamp connectionarea with one of the jaws being removable.

FIG. 40 This is a magnified view of an alternative display panel clampconnection area with one of the jaws being removable and curved.

FIG. 41 This is a magnified view of an alternative display panel clampconnection area with one of the jaws being removable and angled with anextension.

FIG. 42A This is a front plan view of the bag computer with the manualcharacter input device and cover flap pivoted up in stored position tocover and protect the display.

FIG. 42B This is a side plan view of the bag computer and input deviceshown in FIG. 42A.

FIG. 42C This is a side plan view of the bag computer with the manualcharacter input device and cover flap pivoted down in operating positionto expose the MCID and display for use. In this case, the MCID ismounted to the inside surface of the cover flap by its back side.

FIG. 43A This is a front plan view of the bag computer with the manualcharacter input device with the cover flap open and the input device, akeyboard in this case, pivoted down for use.

FIG. 43B This is a side plan view of the bag computer and input devicewith the cover flap open and the input device, a keyboard in this case,pivoted down for use.

FIG. 43C This is a side plan view of the bag computer and input devicewith the cover flap open and the input device, a keyboard in this case,pivoted down for use. Here it can be seen that the input device isremovable and separate from the bag's cover flap.

FIG. 44 This is a magnified side plan view of the input deviceattachment area with bag attachment flap and input device clamp jawsvisible.

FIG. 45A This is a front plan view of the manual character input device,a keyboard in this case, showing the various features.

FIG. 45B This is a side plan view of the manual character input deviceshowing features such as the alignment structures.

FIG. 45C This is the manual character input device shown from theproximal attachment edge.

FIG. 45D This is a magnified view of the manual character input deviceproximal attachment edge and its electrical connection area.

FIG. 45E This is a magnified side view of the manual character inputdevice clamp attachment area of the proximal attachment edge.

FIG. 46 This is the manual character input device as a cover which maybe used as a receptacle for a removable input device insert such as akeyboard or electronic write pad.

FIG. 47 This is a keyboard input device insert made to be inserted intothe manual character input device cover/receptacle.

FIG. 48 This is a electronic write pad input device insert made to beinserted into the manual character input device cover/receptacle.

FIG. 49A This is the bag computer bag with attachment flap and manualcharacter input device with clamp attachment on its proximal attachmentedge fitting the flap.

FIG. 49B This is a magnified view of the manual character input deviceclamp attachment with flexible molded jaws.

FIG. 49C This is a magnified view of the manual character input deviceclamp attachment with one hinged jaw.

FIG. 49D This is a magnified view of the manual character input deviceclamp attachment with one removable jaw.

FIG. 49E This is a magnified view of the manual character input deviceclamp attachment with a double lever clamp jaw.

FIG. 50A This is an exploded view of the bag computer bag showinggeneral features and internal computer support structure parts.

FIG. 50B This is a view of the inside surface of the bag front wall andinternal computer support structure parts found there.

FIG. 51 This view shows the computing unit panel and its variousfeatures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the bag computer is a combination of bag1, computer and input/output devices that results in a mobile, selfcontained wearable computer. The bag is suspended from the operator bodyby a shoulder strap 99 so it can be carried normally or swung around infront of the operator for use. The input output devices are located onthe outside of the bag's front wall so that they can be operated withoutaccessing the interior of the bag. When the computer equipment is storedit is covered with a cover 4 on the bag's front wall 8 and the bagcomputer 98 appears to be a normal piece of apparel. Because thecomputer equipment is mounted to either the inside surface or outsidesurface of the bag's front wall, the majority of the bag's interior canbe used for general cargo, eliminating the need to carry separatecomputer and general cargo bags.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the cover 4 is opened the input/output computerequipment 100 is exposed for use. A display panel 5 is removably andpivotally attached to the area of the bag near the junction of the frontand top walls 16 using a pivoting computer equipment mount so the panelcan pivot along a horizontal axis. In this location, the display panelis as close as possible to the operator's eyes in order to present thelargest apparent display size possible. The display panel may pivot downover and parallel to the front wall of the bag with its display 37facing away from the bag front. When covered, FIG. 2, this is thedisplay panel storage position. When uncovered, FIG. 3, this position isgood for sitting FIG. 4 and typing because both the display and keyboardare exposed to operator view. Shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 7, from therethe display panel 5 can pivot up to a position approximatelyperpendicular to the bag front 8 for viewing the display 37 andmanipulating display panel mounted controls while standing. FIGS. 6A and6B show this position can also be used for typing while standing. Shownin FIG. 8, the display panel 5 can be further pivoted to a positionparallel to the bag front wall 8 but above its top wall 2 were it can beviewed from in back of the bag while the bag is stood on its bottom 101in the lap and restrained by the shoulder strap 99 as in FIG. 9. Thisposition can also be used while lying down as in FIG. 10.

The display panel is pivotally attached to the bag using a hinge means.This hinge means may be capable of holding an angular position. In thecase where the display panel to bag pivoting attachment is a flexiblefabric flap, there may be a bag prop, such as a pivoting stick, whichfits between the display panel and bag front to hold the display panelin any one of several angular positions. In one example, shown in FIG.11, the display panel prop 14 is employed by using one hand to place theprop end into one of several display panel bag receptacles.

The display panel has manual controls so that the computer can beoperated from the display panel. A pointing device 22 may be located onthe display panel 5 back so that the display can occupy one entire sideof the display panel. The controls can be used at the same time thedisplay and bag are stabilized with the hands. The side of the displaypanel opposite the display may be mostly touch pad so that it can haveextensive controls. The display is removable from the bag forreplacement of the bag.

There may be a pivoting cover to protect the display, such as a flap, arigid panel shaped to fit and cover the display while stored or acombination of the two. The cover has an inside surface which faces thebag front when it is in stored position. The cover may be attached nearthe center of the bag front. The cover, then, may define a computerequipment storage area with the display near the top and the coverattached near the bottom of the storage area. The cover may have amanual character input device (MCID) mount on its inside surface toremovable mount a MCID to the cover flap. The pivoting cover may beshaped to form a receptacle 21 to hold a choice of removable MCIDinserts, for example, a keyboard or electronic write pad. The pivotingcover is separate from but may be used in combination with a bottom bagposition pivoting computer equipment mount. For operation, the cover maybe pivoted down and the display panel pivoted up so that the display canbe viewed and the manual controls operated.

Shown in FIG. 12, a manual character input device (MCID), such as akeyboard 10 or electronic write pad, may be attached directly to the bagfront wall and may be removable. Alternatively, the MCID may attach tothe inside surface of the cover and it may be removable. The MCID,instead, may be attached to the bag using a pivoting computer equipmentmount separate from the cover and near the junction of the cover and thebag front wall but within the computer equipment storage area. In eithercase, the input device and cover may pivot up and over the display panelwhen the equipment is stored. The manual character input device iselectrically connected to the computing unit. A keyboard, when pivoteddown and open for use, is on the lower part of the bag so that the handsmay access it while they are hanging relaxed but the display panel is asclose as possible to the operator's eyes. As an electronic write pad,the input device may be held with one hand while the other hand writesideograms or other special characters for entry into the computerwithout need for a touch screen or display occupying sub-programming.

The bag computer computing unit is removably attached to the bag.

The computing unit may be found in a separate computing unit panel 93which is pivotally and electrically attached to the display panel in away similar to a lap top or note book computer. In this case, though,the display on the display panel may face away from the computing unitpanel when they are closed together and the computing unit panel hassize, shaping, and/or attachments to match a computing unit supportstructures, such as a docking port, holster 31, hanger or other meansmatching the computing unit panel, on the inside or outside of the bagwhich holds the computing unit panel and display panel to the bag.

Shown in FIG. 13, the computing unit may be found in the display panel 5and no electrical connection to the interior may be required.

Shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the computing unit may be a separatecomputing unit panel 25 that is not physically attached to the displaypanel. A unit of this type would normally be held to the inside surfaceof the bag's front panel using a computing unit panel support structure7 on the bag which the computing unit matches in size, shaping, and/orattachments. The computing unit panel is of shape and size so that itmay act as a rigid support for the bag's front wall 8 and render flatthe storage area on the outside of the bag's front wall so that thedisplay and manual character input device may store against the bagfront. The computing unit would have an electrical connection throughthe bag's front wall to the display panel and, if present, the manualcharacter input device.

The bag may have side pockets 12 with a small electrical access hole orplug to the bag's interior so that a peripheral 27 mounted in the pocketcan make electrical connection to the computer via the bag's interior.The bag may be supplied with a rigid peripheral holder(s) 35 to fit boththe side pockets and the peripheral. These may have electricalconnection, shaping and, if present, attachments so that the holder'soutside matches the pocket and electrical access hole. The rigidperipheral holder has a receptacle shaped and with electrical connectionto match, hold and electrically connect the specific peripheral to thebag's interior and computing equipment.

The bag computer may be seen as a system wherein the bag is a centralmounting unit to which computing equipment is attached. In this way thebag computer system is analogous in function or a “tower” computer withits multiple pieces of attached computer equipment. The use of severalseparated components, rather than a single computing/input/outputcomponent combination, may facilitate equipment replacement, make thesystem more available at lower cost and make the system more durable.

FIG. 15 is a high level functional block diagram of the bag computersystem. The blocks enclosed by the dotted line represent the minimumsystem and include the bag 1 with strap for holding the bag to theoperator's body, top bag position for the display and, if present,computer components 102 a and a pivoting cover 103 a. In addition, thesystem may further include a bottom bag position for manual characterinput device (MCID)/cover components 104 a, display prop 105, sidepocket with holder 106 and inside computer support structure 107 a. Whenassembled, the components are physically attached using complimentaryattachments. When installed the electrical components are electricallyconnected by electrical conductor or, if only data is transferred,wireless transmission.

FIG. 16 is a detailed functional block diagram of the top bag positionfor the display and, if present, computer components 102 b. To providefor both the pivoting display panel and the computing unit, there arethree optional arrangements: 1) Option one is a combination of a top bagposition pivoting computer equipment mount 108 a to hold the displaypanel 109 and an inside computer support structure 107 b to hold thecomputing unit panel 111. The display panel, in turn, has the option ofa display combined with controls 115 a or separate display 116 a andpointing device components 117 a. 2) Option two is a computer supportstructure 114 to hold a computer composed of hinged display andcomputing unit panels 112. The display panel may have controls 126. 3)Option three is a top bag position pivoting computer equipment mount 108b made to hold a display panel 109 which include the computing unit 113.Also shown is the display panel option of having a display 485 combinedwith controls 115 b or separate display 116 b and pointing devicecomponents 117 b.

FIG. 17 is a detailed functional block diagram of the bottom bagposition for manual character input device (MCID)/cover/receptaclecomponents 104 b. Here there are two options for mounting the MCID inthe bottom bag position; 1) a bottom bag position pivoting computerequipment mount 108 c which may hold a display cover 120, input devicereceptacle, manual character input device such as a keyboard 124 a orelectronic write pad 119 a by one edge or 2) a stationary computerequipment mount 118 which would hold a manual character input device byits back or edges by, for example, riveting, a docking port or othermeans. Optionally, the display cover may be fitted with aremovable/exchangeable keyboard 124 b or electronic write pad 119 bcomponents.

FIG. 18 is a detailed functional block diagram of the pivoting cover 103b for which there are two options; 1) a “pull over cover” 121 whichwould normally be a flexible fabric flap which permanently attaches, forexample with sewing or riveting, to the top front, top or top back ofthe bag and exposes the computer equipment when pulled from its storageposition over the bag front wall up and over the top of the bag to aposition adjacent to and covering the back wall of the bag; 2) a “falldown cover” 122 which may be permanently attached near the front centerof the bag and uncovers the computer equipment by pivoting out and downfrom its storage position covering the top portion of the bag front wallso that, when the computer is in operation, it lays flat over the bottomportion of the bag front wall. The fall down cover may be a flexiblefabric flap which attaches to the bag front wall by sewing, riveting orother means. The cover may alternatively be rigid and attached to thebag front wall with a hinge means such as an axle bearing hinge orintermediate flexible fabric hinge means. A rigid cover may be shaped,for example, with side panels, to fit and protect the display and othercomputer equipment in the computer equipment storage area on the topportion of the bag front wall. A fall down cover may have aMCID/cover/receptacle 123 such as a molded cover, manual character inputdevice (MCID) or MCID receptacle or a combination of these attached toits inside surface by clamping through the cover to a backing plate,riveting or by using a matching mount attached to the inside surface ofthe cover. A removable MCID inserts, such as a keyboard 124 c orelectronic write pad 119 c, may match and be mounted to the MCIDreceptacle facing the display panel when in storage position so the MCIDinsert may face outward and available for use when the cover is pivoteddown into operating position.

Other features which may be found in the bag computer include one ormore rigid panels in bag walls or flaps, reinforced bag areas associatedwith individual attachments or stress areas bumpers on the inside oroutside of the bag to buffer to protect the computer equipment fromcollision with outside objects or the various moving parts of the bag,elastic in flaps or mounts to improve fit and ease installation of theparts, side pocket electronic equipment holders, sound openings in thebag's top panel for sound to exit the bag from inside computer speakers,further inside pockets or lining to hold computer equipment and coverelectrical connections, one or more antennas for radio, TV, GPS or othertelecommunications. The shoulder strap attachments may be shifted to theright and left sides of the bags back wall and so the bag may be wornaround the waist as a belly bag without any change of function.

Below is specific example of a bag computer system. Its purpose is tosimplify the bag construction and make it lighter while gaining theadvantages of a multiple component. As described below, the system useda bag with attachment flaps to match clamp attachments on thedisplay/computer and MCID/cover components.

Shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the bag 1 used in the bag computer has afront wall 8 and opposite back walls, two side walls, a top wall 2 withopening to access the interior and an opposite bottom wall. The openingwould normally have a closure such as a zipper. Each wall has an insideand outside surface. The bag may have a shoulder strap 99 for carryingthe bag and holding the bag in position on the operator for use. Thestrap may be removable and replaceable. The bag has a defined computerequipment storage area 26 toward the top end of the outside of the bag'sfront wall. The storage area may be defined either by a cover flap 3 ofa size and shape to fit the computer equipment or by the presence of atop bag position pivoting computer equipment mount 88 and bottom bagposition pivoting computer equipment mount 89 positioned at the top andbottom of the storage area.

There may be a cover flap 3 and it may be separate from a rigid coverheld in the bottom pivoting computer mount. The cover is pivotallyattached so that it can fold over, protect and conceal an area definingthe computer equipment storage area 26. The cover may be attached, bysewing or riveting for example, near the center or lower part of thebag's front wall so that it may be pivoted downward to expose thecomputer equipment for use. The cover flap may have a manual characterinput device, molded cover or MCID receptacle mounted directly to theinside surface of the cover by, for example, clamping through to abacking plate or by riveting or there may be a mounting structure suchas a docking port, matching fittings, holes, stitching or otherfacilities on the cover flap inside surface to match and assist inremovably holding the MCID/cover/receptacle to the cover flap. The coverflap may have provision, such as an opening through the bag's frontwall, for electrically connecting the input device to the bag'sinterior. Another example for provision for electrical connection may bea cover flap constructed of two layers of bag material with an openingin one layer to gain access between the layers where equipment wiringmay pass further to a hole for wiring to enter the interior of the bag.

To hold a cover attached to the center front of the bag in the closedposition, the cover may have one or more releasable attachments 91 nearits distal end and matching attachments 94 on the bag's top wall or nearthe top of the bag front. The attachments may be hooks, snaps, magnets,for example, and there may be elastic in the flap. The flap may alsohave a flap to MCID attachment 36 to hold the flap to the MCID so theycan move as one.

Shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, to allow the computer equipment, such as adisplay panel 5 or manual character input device, to be both removableand pivoting, it may be attached to the bag using a pivoting computerequipment mount. One or two of these equipment mounts may be located onthe bag at the top or bottom ends of the defined computer equipmentsstorage area 26 (or top bag position and bottom bag position pivotingcomputer equipment mounts respectively) so that the mounted computerequipments may pivot from the storage area into operation position.

A pivoting computer equipment mount may be a short flexible fabricattachment flap 34 of a size, shape and material to match the clamp jaws15 on the attachment edge of the computer equipment to be stored on thebag front. The equipment mount may be sewn, riveted or otherwise fixedto the bag front so that they may pivot along a horizontal axis.

The attachment flap may be located near the junction 16 of the top andfront bag walls so that a mounted display may be located as close aspossible to the operator's face. The attachment flap may be an extensionof the bag's top wall projecting over the front wall.

Shown in FIG. 21, the attachment flap may be divided into right and leftparts. For example, there may be two tab-like attachment flaps 34aligned on one horizontal axis and designed to match clamp jaws 15 onthe right and left extremes of the computer equipment's 95 attachmentedge.

The attachment flap may be plain flexible fabric of a size, shape andmaterial to fit the computer equipment clamp jaws. The attachment flapmay have holes to match the computer equipment clamp jaws. Theattachment flap may have and embroidered pattern or a distal end bar,rope, hem or ledge to help align and hold the computer equipment's clampjaws to the attachment flap.

Shown in FIG. 22, the attachment flap 34 may be located near the bottomof the bag's equipment storage area or near the center of the bag'sfront wall. This location is used for mounting a manual character inputdevice (MCID) 9. As with a top attachment flap, this flap may havefeatures such as holes or edge bar to help align and hold the computerequipment's clamp jaws to the attachment flap. As with the topattachment flap, this flap may be divided into right and left parts.

On the surface of the cover facing the bag front when closed there maybe one or more flap to MCID attachments 41 to match complimentaryfixtures on a manual character input device, such as a keyboard orelectronic write pad, mounted on the lower attachment flap. Thisattachment allows the input device and down folding cover to movetogether as one.

If there is one attachment flap located near bottom of defined computerequipment storage area there may be a display/computer support structurein the upper part of the equipment storage area. In this arrangement,the manual data input device may pivot up and overlay the display and,if present, computer unit 93 found in the display/computer supportstructure. The cover 4, defining the computer equipment storage area,covers all equipment.

The display/computer support structure may be a holster 31, dockingport, fitted pocket with opening, axle hinge with computer attachment,pivoting computer equipment mount, hanger, inside computer mount with anopening in the front or top bag through which a display panel is passedfrom a computer mounted inside the bag or other way to attach a display,and computer if present, to the bag front wall so that the display canbe hinged around the top front bag corner into the line of sight of theoperator.

There may be an electrical connection such as a plug associated with anycomputer mounting structure to connect the display/computer unit withthe manual input device or to the inside of the bag.

Shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C, there may be two attachment flaps 34,one located at the top and one at the bottom of the bag's computerequipment storage area so that both a display panel 5 and manualcharacter input device 9 may be mounted on attachment flaps at the sametime.

The bag may be adapted to allow computer equipment mounted to the bag'sattachment flaps to be electrically connected through the bag and itsfront wall to the interior so that it may be removably connected withother peripherals or to a computing unit panel inside the bag.

Electrical wiring and plug may be part of the bag and/or attachment flapwith the computer equipment having a plug to match it.

Alternatively, the electrical connection may be a wire 6 of anappropriate diameter and length, including any plug, leading from thecomputer equipment, through an electrical access opening in the frontwall of the bag and connecting with a peripheral or a computing unitpanel inside the bag. For example, there may be an opening in the bag'sfront wall next to the attachment flap and this may be toward the bottomof the front wall from the attachment flap so it is inconspicuous.

Instead, the attachment flap 34 may be constructed of two layers ofmaterial with an electrical access opening 96 in its distal edge and achannel between the two layers to an opening through the front wall.These openings and channel allow wiring from the display/computer ormanual character input device to pass through its clamp jaws 15 andthrough the attachment flap and front wall to the computer without beingvisible. The opening and channel for the display or MCID wire may bepositioned anywhere on the attachment flap edge to accommodateelectrical connection. For example, the opening and channel may betoward the flap edge center to match a center plug on the computing unitpanel or toward one side to accommodate a plug on the computing unitpanel side. By using a wire and plug that is part of the display panel,no wiring need be included in the bag thus simplifying bag construction.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show the interior of the bag. There are electricalaccess openings 96 through the front wall. These allow electricalconnection from the outside mounted computer equipment to a computingunit panel 25 mounted to the inside of the bag's front wall with aninside computer equipment support structure which aligns with thecomputing unit to the electrical access openings for proper connection.The electrical access opening for the manual character input device mayopen into the inside computer equipment support structure (hidden) suchas a holster. Electrical access openings may also be used to connectwith peripherals held in the cargo area of the bag.

There may also be openings in the bag's front wall or mounting structureto align and use IR communication between computer components. The bagmay have a lens on the front wall to direct the signal inside the bag toan antenna on an interior mounted computing unit panel.

On the inside surface of the bag's front wall 8 there may be an insidemounting structure for additional computer equipment. The insidemounting structure may consist of a combination of a holster or footing30 to hold the bottom end of the computing unit panel and a head piece,such as a flap 97, to hold the top end of the computing unit panel. Thefooting may be attached to the inside of the bag's front wall andconsist of a metal or plastic ledge which may fit into a matchingreceptacle in the computing unit panel, it may consist of a flap whichwraps around the bottom end of the computing unit panel and attaches tothe back side of the computing unit panel or it may be socket/pocketlike and made of bag material to fit the bottom end computing unitpanel. The headpiece/flap may be permanently attached to the inside ofthe front or top bag walls by, for example, sewing or riveting. Thefooting and/or flap may have attachments matching ones on the computingunit panel. Instead, the flap attachments may attach to matchingattachments on the footing so that the computing unit panel is mostlysurrounded by bag material. Alternatively, the inside support structuremay be molded panel, array of attachments or docking port of any sortwhich matches the computing unit panel and holds it to the inside of thebag's front wall. The inside mounting structure may include anelectrical connection, such as a plug, to electrically join the mountedequipment with the outside equipment mounted to the attachment flaps.The inside mounting structure holds the computing unit panel to theinside of the bag's front wall, aligns the computing unit panel withelectrical connections from the outside of the bag and keeps thecomputing unit panel from mixing with general cargo in the bag.

As shown in FIG. 25, the bag may have additional features.

Because the attachment flaps cannot hold an angular position, the bagmay have a display panel prop 14 mounted to the bag front in thecomputer equipment area. The prop, described more fully below,temporarily holds the display panel in various angular positionsrelative to the bag front. It consists of a pivoting base, a prop andreceptacles for the various positions. The pivoting base and prop wouldnormally be on the bag front and the receptacles on the display panelback. However, the position may be reversed with the base and prop onthe display panel back with the receptacles on a vertical strip on thebag front. Other prop arrangements fixed to the bag are possible.

The bag may have side pockets 12 fixed to the outside of its side wallsto hold peripherals 27 for quick and convenient access. There may be ahole in the side wall which opens into the side pocket to createelectrical access for peripherals held in the side pockets. The sidepockets may be supplied with a rigid peripheral holder(s) 35 to fit boththe side pockets and the peripheral held there. The rigid peripheralholder(s) may have shaping, wires and plug so that its outside can fitthe pocket and its inside can fit the specific peripheral.

There may be one or more sound openings 92 in the bag's top wall forsound to exit the bag from speakers on the top edge of the insidemounted computing unit panel. The sound openings may have perimeter trimwhich matches the speaker openings in the computing unit panel and thistrim may also be shaped to align and fasten to the bag's speakeropenings to the computing unit panel.

There may be a lining on the inside surface of the bag and may includeholders such as pockets, attachment loops or matching mounts forperipherals or for common computer accessories like earphones,electrical wire extensions for connecting to telecommunications,batteries or microphone, for example. The holders may be placed to alignwith the specific plugs in the computing unit panel to make connectioneasy and keep the wire lead short. The lining may include fabric coversto conceal wires.

To facilitate bag construction, the bottom bag position attachment flapand the cover flap may be the same piece of material sewn across the bagfront so there are short (attachment flap) and long (cover flap) ends.In constructing the top bag position attachment flap, the top bag wallmaterial may extend beyond the front wall, then fold and return to thefront wall and top wall junction where is may be sewn in place. Thismakes a double layered attachment flap as close as possible to thejunction of the top and front walls. Instead, top bag wall material mayextend beyond the front wall, then fold and return to be sewn at thejunction of the top and front walls and continue down the bag front asthe front wall. Thus one strip of material may be used for the top wall,top pivoting mount and front walls.

The flap mounts allows the use of a variety of components and can haveadvantages over single combined computing units in terms ofmanufacturing diversity and rights, replacements, etc. One disadvantageof flap mounting, though, is that flaps don't hold a position if theoperators wants to, for example, view his computer without using hishands. A means of correcting this problem while still keeping thesimplicity/advantage of the flap mount is to use a display panel prop.The display panel and bag front can be adapted for this purpose.

Shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the display panel prop is made for use withbag computer display panels wherein the display is on the front surfaceof the display panel 5 and facing up when the display panel is pivotedperpendicular to the bag front. The display panel side opposite thefront surface and display is the back surface 13.

The display panel prop can come in several forms:

1) In one embodiment the prop may consist of a bar 33 mounted on a base49 attached to the bag front so the bar can pivot on a horizontal axis.The base is attached to the bag front with sewing, riveting, screwing,etc (flap). The base may be a flap, sewn on pocket or loop offlexible/bag material 49, axle/bearing hinge, ball socket or other halfhinge means that may be attached to the bag front. The proximal bar end50, which is closest to and fits to the base, matches the base so thetwo are pivotally secured together. Possible proximal bar end typesinclude an “L”, “T”, ball, socket, hook, axle or bearing, etc. and mayhave a retainer such as a snap, hook or barb to retain the bar in thebase. The distal bar end 51, which is the bar end opposite the proximalend, may be a flattened or tapered end 51 and/or may be split forjamming into display back surface holes or slots, may have a hook,notch, projection or other fixtures to match receptacles on the displayback surface. The bar may be made of rigid or semi-rigid material andmay be removable/replaceable. One or more display back surfacereceptacles 19 may be inset into the display body or may project out andmay jam 19, snap or hook into the matching distal bar end so that thetwo are removably fixed together and the display panel held in a setangular position. Several display back surface receptacles are properlyspaced to prop up the display in the most commonly used positions. Thedisplay back receptacles for holding the display near vertical 52 may bedifference, may be adapted to holding the display with the bar parallelto the display back surface, for example clip/snap fitting, lateralhook, split cylinder of flexible material. This vertical holdingreceptacle may be partially or wholly inset into the display body and/orclamp attachment on the attachment edge of the display panel. There maybe molded-in prop position guides to help engage the distal bar end intothe right prop position on the back of the display without looking. Whenno propping is needed, the bar just hangs on the bag front behind thedisplay panel. To allow the display to lay flat against the bag fronteven with the prop between the display back surface and bag front, theattachment edge and/or back surface of the display panel may haveelevated bumpers 17, or extended side edges or may be shaped, notched orcut away to fit the prop base, hinge and/or bar. The display back mayinclude edges extended toward the bag front when in stored position toprovide space between the display back and bag front and allow thedisplay to lie against the bag front.

2) In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D,27E and 27F, the bar 33 is attached to a pivoting base 49 which is inturn attached to the bag front by, for example riveting or screwing. Thebar passes through a display panel back receptacle which is a slidingholder 53 such as a channel, track, slot or hole parallel to the displaypanel back surface which is fixed to the display panel back surface 13.The bar may be semi-flexible to allow the bar to enter the slidingholder at the proper angle. The sliding holder may have a friction orratchet surface within it so that the display panel pivots only withsome force and can hold any angular position. Shown in FIGS. 28A, 28B,29A and 29B, instead of friction, there may be a lock associated withthe sliding holder 53 and the operator can engage the lock if he wantthe display to hold one angular position. Otherwise, the display swingsfreely. Examples of locking mechanisms may include a sliding switch, abutton 54 or a lever 55 which can be operated conveniently from the edgeof the display panel.

3) In a third means to prop up the flap mounted display panel to holdany angular position, shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E and 30F,there is a small friction hinge means attached to the bag front. Thehinge means consists of a friction producing pivot point 48, a barflange 56 and a base flange 57. The bar flange acting as the bar andextends and fits into a receptacles which is a sliding holder 53 such asa channel or groove on the display back surface 13. The sliding of thebar flange in the sliding holder allows the hinge to take up the slackcaused by the flexible fabric attachment flap and allows the display tobe removed from the bag. The hinge's base flange acts as a base andattaches to the bag front below the attachment flap by, for example,riveting, sewing or screwing. FIG. 31 shows the hinge means displaypanel prop assembly with friction pivot point 48, base flange 57 and barflange 56.

Shown in FIG. 32, there may be more than one display panel props 14.Multiple props may be of any type and may include a lock of any sort foreach prop.

The area on the bag front around the base may be reinforced, for examplewith redoubled material or with heavier material, so there the bag frontmaterial does not bend under the weight of the display against the propand bag front. In the case where a computing unit is mounted to theinside of the bag's front wall, the computing unit's body may bepositioned to support the prop base.

The positions of the prop base and receptacle may be reversed. Forexample, the base with pivoting prop may be on the display back and thematching receptacle may be on the bag front.

As shown in FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E and 33F, the bag computer'sclamp connection display panel 5 is thin and approximately rectangularin shape. The removable clamp connection display panel has a front side58 facing up when the input device is pivoted perpendicular to the bag'sfront wall, a back side 13 opposite the front side, a proximalattachment edge 59 closest to the bag's front wall when the input deviceis pivoted perpendicular to the bag's front wall, a distal edge 60opposite the proximal edge and two side edges 61. The display 37 islocated on the display panel front side and oriented for viewing by thewearer when pivoted away from the bag's front side into operatingposition. The display panel may have an interior space to containelectronic equipment. The display panel may include a computing unit.The display panel may have an electrical connection 6, to electricallyconnect the display, manual controls and other features on the displaypanel with the computing unit inside of the bag.

For operation/viewing, the display panel may pivot on the bag by itsproximal attachment edge using a top bag position pivoting computerequipment mount. A pivoting computer equipment mount is a fitting toremovably attach the display panel and bag together while allowing themto pivot relative to each other on a horizontal axis. It consists of onepart on the display panel proximal attachment edge 32 and a matchingpart on the bag. Instead of one pivoting computer equipment mount theremay be right and left pivoting mounts on the same axis. The pivotingcomputer equipment mount may be, for example; an axle bearing hinge oneither the display panel or bag matching an complimentary attachment andhold the display panel and bag together; a half hinge bearing or axleswith one half hinge on the display panel and the other matching halfhinge on the bag; a flexible fabric attachment flap on the bag ordisplay panel proximal attachment edge of a size shape and thickness tomatch a complimentary attachment, such as a clamp, and hold the displaypanel and bag together; a flexible fabric attachment flap on the bag ordisplay panel proximal attachment edge with an attachment which matchinga complimentary attachment and hold the display panel and bag together.

The front side of the display panel may have a small keyboard,electronic write pad, pointing device, scroll buttons or bar, speaker,microphone or other controls in addition to the display. The display mayhave a touch screen. On the side of the computer opposite the displaythere may be a pointing device, such as a touch pad, or other controls.The back side touch pad may have one or more finger guides over a touchpad to help align the operator's fingers to the touch pad withoutlooking. The finger guides may be removable. The finger guide has apattern of ridges and/or openings to guide the fingers to specificpositions, corresponding to specific controls, on the touchpad which isunderneath the finger guide. The finger guides may work with and alignto programmed touchpad positions. The finger guide and programming forthe touchpad may be changed together to fit particular operator needs.Bumpers may be built into the finger guides to cushion the blow if thedisplay panel is dropped against the bag front. The display, ifincluding a computing unit, may have batteries and be self-contained.There may be television, music player, radio, telecommunications and/orGPS. There may be additional plugs for data transfer, charging,earphones or other peripherals. The panel may have a general useinput/output tool such as an infrared antenna 64 for externalcommunication, or camera 65 located at its distal end or back side so itcan be pointed to an external target. There may be a separate infraredantenna for communication with a keyboard or electronic write padmounted on the bag front. Other controls such as a scrollmechanism/wheel may be located on the side edges.

The display panel may be tapered to be thinner and lighter at the distalend and may have heavier components, such as batteries, if present, nearthe bag. The display panel and attachments may be shaped to allow thepanel to lay flat against the bag even if there is some bag bulge causedby cargo in the bag. Shaping may include recesses or protrusions tocompensate for the thickness of the display panel prop on the bag frontor to protect the display panel backside controls.

To further divide the bag computer system into components, the displaypanel may be divided into two parts along a plane parallel to the frontand back sides. The front side 67 part would include the display and theback side part 68 would include a touch pad or other pointing deviceand/or controls and may include finger guides to assist the operatorfind particular touch points on the controls. The front display and backcontrols face outward when the two parts are assembled so they may beused. The two parts may be changed/replaced whenever desired. The twoparts may be attached with attachments such as a hook 69, plug or socketat the distal edge and using the proximal attachments, for example aclamp, which may both connect the two halves and attach the displaypanel to the bag attachment flap. Instead, snaps, clips or slidingchannels may be used to attach the two parts. The two parts may beattached using a finger guide frame which both holds the finger guide inplace and may also hold the two display panel parts together. The fingerguide frame may be part of the finger guide or a separate part and itholds the perimeter of the finger guide to the edges of the displaypanel parts.

The display panel may be electrically connected through the bag and itsfront wall to the interior so that it may be removably connected withother peripheral or the computing unit.

In the case where the computing unit is meant to be mounted elsewhere inthe computer bag, the display panel may be linked to other equipment inthe bag with an electrical connection 6. Electrical wiring and plug maybe part of the bag or computing unit panel with the display panel havinga plug to match it.

Alternatively, the electrical connection may be a wire 6 of anappropriate diameter and length, including plug, from the proximalattachment edge of the display panel, through the clamp attachment areaso that it may passing through an opening in the front wall of the bagand connecting with computer equipment mounted inside the bag. Thewiring may be designed to pass through two layers of attachment flapmaterial and through the front wall to the bag's interior. There may bea gap, channel, notch or other cut out 11 in the display panel's clampattachment area to allow an electrical connection, for example a wirewith plug 62 at the end, to pass from the display panel proximalattachment edge, between the clamp jaws, through an opening in twolayers of the bag's attachment flap, through the bag's front wall and tothe interior of the bag to connect with inside mounted computer orperipherals without pinching the wire in the clamp when it is tightenedaround the attachment flap. By using a wires and plug that is part ofthe display panel, no wiring need be included in the bag thussimplifying bag construction. A wire leading from the display panelproximal attachment edge may be positioned anywhere to match the openingin the bag's attachment flap and the electrical connection on an insidemounted computing unit.

If the display panel is divided into two parts, each part may have anelectrical connection, such as a wire and/or plug or there may be aconnecting plug between the two panel parts and just one wire and/orplug leading into the bag.

In the case where the display panel is meant to be a self containedcomputer, the computing unit, batteries and other essential equipmentmay also be located in the display panel with an electrical connection,as described above, for peripherals being optional.

As shown in FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C, the display panel may become a twopanel computer by placing an intermediate panel 70 between the displaypanel 5 proximal edge clamp attachment 32 and the display panel proximaledge 59. The intermediate panel has front side 71 facing up when theintermediate panel is pivoted perpendicular to the bag's 1 front wall,an opposite back sides, two side edges, a proximal attachment edge 72nearest the bag front when installed and an opposite distal edge 73. Theproximal edge attachment matching the bag is fixed to the intermediatepanel proximal attachment edge. The intermediate panel distal edge ispivotally attached to the display panel proximal edge using a hingemeans 74. The intermediate panel may hold a computing unit and/or mayhave a manual input device such as a keyboard 10 or electronic write pador other controls on its front side. There may be a pointing device onthe back side of the display panel. The front side of the display paneland front side of the intermediate panel may face each other when thetwo panels are folded together while in stored position. The result iscomputer with a display panel and keyboard/computer panel connected witha hinge means in a manner similar to a small lap top computer and with aclamp attachment matching the bag attachment flap found on the edge ofthe keyboard/computer panel opposite and not adjacent to the edge withhinge means. The clamp attachments are the same as described below forthe display panel alone.

There is an electrical connection between the intermediate panel and thedisplay panel and this passed through the hinge means that connectsthem. There may be an electrical connection leading from theintermediate panel proximal edge through the intermediate panel clampand bag attachment flap and bag front wall to the interior of the bag toremovably connect with computer equipment held there. Itscharacteristics are the same as described for a display panel alone.

Shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, one or more display panel back side 13display prop receptacles 19 may be inset into the display panel or mayproject out and may jam 19, snap or hook into a matching display panelprop bar 33 end so that the two are removably fixed together and thedisplay panel held in a set angular position. Several display backfixtures are properly spaced to prop up the display in the most commonlyused positions. The display back fixtures for holding the display nearvertical 63 may be different and may be adapted to holding the displaywith the bar parallel to the display back side. This vertical holdingfixture may be partially or wholly inset into the display panel and/orclamp. The display back side prop fixtures may be part of the fingerguides or part of a finger guide frame that removably attaches to thedisplay panel and may hold the pointing device part and display part ofthe display panel together. When no propping is needed, the bar justhangs on the bag front behind the display panel. To allow the display tolay flat against the bag front even with the prop between the displayback and bag front, the proximal attachment edge and/or back of thedisplay panel may be shaped, notched or cut away to fit the prop base,hinge and/or bar. The display back may include one or more bumpers 17 orperimeter edges extended toward the bag front when in stored position toprovide space between the display back and bag front for a display propor to protect controls and allow the display to lie against the bagfront. These may also cushion the blow if the display is dropped againstthe bag front.

Alternatively, the prop bar may pass through a sliding holder such as achannel, track, slot or hole parallel to the display panel back sidewhich is fixed to the display panel back side. The sliding holder mayhave a friction or ratchet surface within it so that the display panelcan hold any angular position. Instead of friction, there may be a lockassociated with the sliding holder and the operator can engage the lockif he want the display to hold one angular position.

The positions of the prop and sockets/channel may be reversed. In otherwords, the prop bar may be on the display back and the matching socketsor channel may be on the bag front.

One of the simplest means to pivotally attach the display panel to thebag front is to use a clamp on the proximal attachment edge of thedisplay panel to clamp onto one or more short flexible fabric attachmentflaps or pivoting flange on the bag. The clamp attachment also providesa thickened and reinforced area on the edge closest to the bag front andthe one most likely to be stressed. The attachment flap may be short andabout the width of the display panel so as to match the clamp in termsof shape, length, width and thickness. To match and removably secure tothe flap, the clamp jaws are adapted to fit a plain surface such as aflap. The clamp jaws may match the curve of a flexed plane, such as isformed when a flap is bent, so that the clamp may fit best with theshape of the top front corner of the bag when installed. The clamp jawsmay be angled to best fit the shape of the top front corner of the bagand/or extended away from the display panel's back side surface plane toallow the display to lay flat against the bag front even if there is adisplay prop on the bag front or if the bag has bulge from cargo carriedin the bag. The clamp jaws may have features, such as pins or ridges,matching the attachment flap.

As shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B, the display panel portion of the pivotingcomputer equipment mount holding the display panel 5 to the bag 1 mayconsist of one or more clamp attachments 32 on the proximal edge. Theclamp has two jaws 15 between which the bag's portion of the pivotingcomputer equipment mount, such as short flexible fabric attachment flap34 or flange from a hinge means, is clamped. The jaws may be tightenedwith a clip, screws or other fastener means 18. As shown in FIG. 36B,the jaws may be made of one molded piece with a fastener to tighten thejaws around the bag's attachment flap. The clamp should be made of amaterial flexible enough to bend and clamp when fastened. The bag'spivoting mount would usually be a flexible fabric attachment flap so itcan easily be sews or riveted to the bag front. There may be a gap,channel, notch or other cut out in the clamp area to allow an electricalconnection 6, for example a wire with plug at the end, to pass from thedisplay panel proximal attachment edge, between the clamp jaws, throughan opening 66 in two layers of the bag's attachment flap, through thebag's front wall and to the interior of the bag to connect with insidemounted computer or peripherals without pinching the wire in the clampwhen it is tightened around the attachment flap.

As shown in alternative jaw configuration, FIGS. 37A and 3711, theproximal edge clamp attachment 32 may also have two separate jaws. Oneor both of these jaws 15 may be hinged 24 together so they can be openedto accept the bag's attachment flap 34. The jaws may have a spring tohold the jaws closed. Screws, bolts, releasable clips, pins, snaps orother fasteners may be included to hold the jaws closed and there may berelease buttons which may be recessed to avoid accidental release. Shownin FIG. 38, in an alternate jaw form, one of the jaws may be a pivotingcam jaw or other eccentric pinch bar with a lever to jam and clamp theattachment material. To tighten and lock the jaws in place at the sametime, the clamp has a longer lever 29 for tightening and a short leveror cam apogee 28, at an angle of about 90 degrees from the long lever,which pinches the clamped material against the other clamp jaw when thelong lever is pivoted. This type of clamp allows installation withoutthe use of a tool.

As shown in alternative jaw configuration, FIGS. 39A and 39B, theproximal edge clamp attachment 32 may have one removable jaw 15 and thismay be tightened to the other jaw with screws, bolts, releasable clips,pins, snaps or other fasteners 18. FIG. 40 shows an alternative jawconfiguration with the jaws curved to best fit the shape of the topfront corner of the bag. In this arrangement, applicable to all displayclamp attachments, the clamp jaws match the curve of a flexed plane suchas is formed when a flap is bent. FIG. 41 shows that the clamp area maybe angled and/or extended away from the panel to best fit the shape ofthe top front corner of the bag, to provide space behind the displayand/or assist in making the display panel lay flat against the bagfront.

The inside of the clamp jaws may be shaped to match the bag's attachmentflap. The jaws may form a channel FIG. 6B 16 to match a bar, rope orthickened hem or other ledge on the attachment flap edge. The jaws mayhave knurling FIG. 5B 20, teeth or ridges to grip a plain flexiblefabric attachment flap. The jaws may have matching projections andsockets/holes to match perforations in the bag's attachment flap.

Instead of one broad clamp attachment, there may be two clamps, one onthe right and one on the left sides of the display panel's proximalattachment edge. Each clamp may have the same attributes, including theelectrical connection, as a single attachments flap, as described above.Two attachments may have improved characteristics while holding cargowhich makes the bag front bulge.

As shown in FIGS. 42A, 42B and 42C the bag computer manual characterinput device (MCID) 9, cover and/or receptacle is pivotally mounted tothe bag 1 front 8 by attaching it either to a bottom bag positionpivoting computer equipment mount or to the inside surface of the bag'scover flap 3. To allow the input device to be replaceable, upgradeableor to change type it is designed to be removably fixed to the bag. TheMCID and cover flap may pivot up into stored position to cover andprotect the bag's display panel 5 stored on the bag's front wall. Asshown in FIGS. 43A, 43B and 43C, the MCID and cover flap may be pivoteddown to expose the computer equipment. The manual character input devicecover and/or receptacle may be a cover for the bag's display, areceptacle for accepting an input device insert, a keyboard, anelectronic write pad or other electronic device used to manually inputinformation to the bag computer. FIG. 43C, magnified in FIG. 44, showsthat, in this case, the MCID 9 is pivotally attached to the bag 1 frontwith an attachment flap 34 on the bag front and clamp jaws 15 on theMCID attachment edge while the cover flap 3 is separately attached tothe bag front.

As shown in FIGS. 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D and 45E, the manual character inputdevice is thin and approximately rectangular in shape. The general shapeof the device may be called its body. It has a front surface 39 facingup when the input device is pivoted perpendicular to the bag's frontwall, a back surface 40 opposite the front surface, a proximalattachment edge 41 closest to the bag's front wall when the input deviceis pivoted perpendicular to the bag's front wall, a distal edges 42opposite the proximal attachment edge and two side edges 38. In the casewhere the input device is attached directly to the bag's front wall byits back, the proximal attachment edge is the one nearest the top of thebag and the operator's face when mounted to the bag. The manualinterface with the operator, such as keys, is located on the frontsurface of the input device. The input device may have a general useinput/output tool such as an infrared antenna 64 or camera 65 located atits distal end or back side so it can be pointed to an external target.Electrical plugs for peripherals may be included. Communication with thebag computer may be by proximal attachment edge electrical wire orwireless antenna. On the back of the input device there may be othercontrols associated with operating the bag computer, camera, externalcommunicator or other built in input/output tool. Input devices withsingle edge attachments may have a cover flap to input device/coverattachment 36 on the back surface or other surface matching the coverflap so that they may both move together when shifted from the stored tooperating positions.

If the manual character input device is a keyboard 10, it would beoriented for use from above by the wearer. It may be ten keys wide andthis allows for full size keys for typing while still keeping thekeyboard size proportional to the average bag. The keyboard would be thewidth of the keys “a” to “;” on a standard QWERTY keyboard. Three orfour rows may be included. Thumb keys substitute for essential keysfarther to the right and left on the standard keyboard (eg. space,return, shift, backspace, tab, change keyboard, camera or externalcommunicator controls, etc). The result is a keyboard with standard ¾inch keys and totaling about 8″ wide. The key rows may have the standardoffset or be inline. Alternative key placement or other controls may beprogrammed with software.

To make the keyboard easier to use without looking, tactile fingerguides such as vertical thumb troughs, vertical finger ridges betweenthe keys, depressions and/or outer edge palm ridges, may be included toassure finger position and to help stabilize the keyboard with thehands/palms.

To make the keyboard weatherproof, easier to clean, easier to use in thevertical position and without looking, it may have a continuousweatherproof surface with depressions for each standard size key. Smallactuating buttons, pegs or cones may be at the bottom of eachdepression. These would be easier to use in the vertical positionbecause they can be pushed down, in or up to be actuated.

The manual character input device may be electrically connected throughthe bag and its front wall to the interior so that it may be removablyconnected with other peripheral or the computing unit. Electrical wiringand plug may be part of the bag or computing unit panel with the displaypanel having a plug to match it. Instead, the electrical connection maybe a wire and plug 6 of an appropriate diameter and length (includingany plug) leading from the proximal attachment edge of the manualcharacter input device, through or next to the clamp attachment 32 sothat it may passing through an opening in the front wall of the bag andconnecting with computer equipment mounted inside the bag. The wiringmay be designed to pass through two layers of attachment flap materialand through the front wall to the bag's interior. The wire may leadthrough the clamp jaws 15 of a clamp attachment on the manual characterinput device proximal attachment edge. There may be a gap, channel 11,notch or other cut out in the manual character input device's clamp areato allow an electrical connection, for example a wire with plug at theend, to pass from the manual character input device proximal attachmentedge, between the clamp jaws, through an opening in two layers of thebag's attachment flap, through the bag's front wall and to the interiorof the bag to connect with inside mounted computer without pinching thewire in the clamp jaws when they are tightened around the attachmentflap. By using a wires and plug that is part of the manual characterinput device, no wiring need be included in the bag thus simplifying bagconstruction. A wire leading from the MCID or MCID receptacle proximalattachment edge may be positioned anywhere to match the opening in thebag's attachment flap and the electrical connection on an inside mountedcomputing unit.

The input device may, alternatively, have its own power source andequipment to broadcast input/output information to/from its computer viawireless radio or line-of-sight (infrared) broadcasting. An infraredantenna may be located near the proximal attachment edge of the inputdevice so that it may broadcast up toward the display back, computerbody, computer hinge or, if present, turning lens on the bag front whichmay direct the signal to the body of the computer inside the bag. Thisantenna may also receive/broadcast information for transfer through theinput device to a distally mounted input/output tool 64. The antenna'ssignal angle may be fanned vertically so that the input device may beused when pivoted in either the vertical or horizontal position. Theassociated batteries, antennas, modem and broadcasting equipment wouldbe included.

The manual character input device may store over the display and it maybe defined by structures to align the keyboard to the display panel andcomputer, if present, to protect the display/computer while stored.These structures may be on any edge or the front of the input device andmay include ridges or pins on the input device edges, may be wedged soto form a snug fit against the display and may include spacers to keepthe keys from being depressed when stored. The structures may be moldedinto the input device body. Including the input device, they may form abox-like enclosure open on one side (the display side). The alignmentstructures may also touch the bag's front wall or display/computer hingewhile closed to serve to protect the display from impact. They may bemade of a material softer than the display so as to not scratch it. Thealignment structures on the input device sides may include cut outs(option shown in dotted line) to allow easier access to the keys by thehands. There may be one or more clips, snaps, hooks or other fastenersto secure the input device to display/computer.

Alternatively, the manual character input portion of the device may bemissing from the body. The body with appropriate size, shape andalignment structures may then form a pivoting molded cover to protectthe display.

As shown in FIGS. 46, 47 and 48, the manual character input device maybe in the form of a molded cover 4 with a receptacle 21 to accept andhold a input device insert 47 such as a keyboard (FIG. 47), as describedabove, or electronic write pad (FIG. 48). In this way the cover can bebare, to reduce weight, have a keyboard, have an electronic write pad orhave some other removable/exchangeable manual input device. Changinginput device inserts can be done without dismounting thecover/receptacle from the bag. The molded cover has a clamp attachment32 on the attachment edge to physically and pivotally connect the coverto the bag. The cover may have the electrical connection to the baginterior, such as a connecting wire and plug 6. Associated with thereceptacle there may be the electrical connection (hidden) to match theremovable input device insert. The molded cover may have one or moreappropriate attachments 43 to match and physically hold the input deviceinsert in the receptacle. This may be a clip sprung by the flexing ofthe cover material, or may have some other latch as appropriate tokeeping the weight low, insuring a secure hold and allowing the inputdevice insert to be installed or removed easily. The input device insertwould fit the receptacle and have one or more matching attachments 46and may be partially or totally enclosed in it own casing. The inputdevice insert would have an electrical connection 125 to match thereceptacle.

The MCID, cover and/or receptacle may be attached to the inside surfaceof a fall down cover flap so that it overlays and covers the display andcomputer equipment storage area when pivoted up and exposes the MCID,cover and/or receptacle for use when pivoted downward. The MCID, coverand/or receptacle may be permanently attached to the inside surface ofthe cover flap by, for example, riveting or attaching through to abacking plate or may be removable attached using a docking port,complimentary fittings or other suitable attachments.

Instead, the manual character input device, cover and/or receptacle maypivot on the bag by the proximal attachment edge so that the inputdevice front surface faces away from bag front and the manual interfaceis available for use when the input device is pivoted into operatingposition. This pivoting may be accomplished by having an attachment onthe proximal attachment edge matching the bag's pivoting computerequipment mount, in this case an attachment flap. If the manualcharacter input device is a cover with removable input devices, theattachment would be located on the cover.

As shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B, the attachment holding the manualcharacter input device 9 to the bag may consist of a clamp on theproximal attachment edge 41. The clamp on the input device allows thebag to be simpler by attaching the clamp to a short flexible fabricattachment flap on the bag front. The clamp has two jaws 15 betweenwhich the bag's matching hinge means, such as flexible fabric attachmentflap 34, or flange from a bag's hinge means is placed. The jaws may betightened with a clip, screws or other fastener means 18. The jaws maybe made of one molded piece of semi rigid material with a fastener totighten the jaws around the bag's hinge means. The hinge means wouldusually be a flexible fabric attachment flap so it can easily be sewn orriveted to the bag front wall.

As shown in alternative jaw configuration, FIG. 49C, the clamp may alsohave two separate jaws. One or both of these jaws 15 may be hinged 24together so they can be opened to accept the bag's hinge means. The jawsmay have a spring to hold the jaws closed. A clip or other fasteners maybe included to hold the jaws closed and there may be one or more releasebuttons which may be recessed to avoid accidental release.

Shown in FIG. 49E, in an alternate jaw form, one of the jaws may be apivoting cam jaw or other eccentric pinch bar with a lever to jam andclamp the attachment material. To tighten and lock the jaws in place atthe same time, the clamp has a longer lever 29 for tightening and ashort lever or cam apogee 28, at an angle of about 90 degrees from thelong lever, which pinches the clamped material against the other clampjaw when the long lever is pivoted. This type of clamp allowsinstallation without the use of a tool.

As shown in alternative jaw configuration, FIG. 49D, the clamp may haveone removable jaw 44 and this may be tightened to the other jaw withscrews, bolts, releasable clips or other fasteners 18.

The inside of the clamp jaws may be shaped to match the bag's hingemeans. The jaws may form a channel, FIG. 49C 23, to match a bar, rope,thickened hem or other ledge on the hinge means edge. The jaws may haveknurling FIG. 49B 20, teeth or ridges to grip a plain flexible fabrichinge means. The jaws may have matching projections and sockets/holes tomatch perforations in the bag's hinge means.

There may be two attachments on or near the proximal attachment edge,one near the right and one near the left sides of the input device'sproximal attachment edge. The attachments may be molded into the inputdevice body or separate attachments may be secured to it. The two edgeattachments may be clamps as described above including the electricalconnection.

The bag computer system may have a computing unit which matched andconnected to the bag and other system components. It may be independentand detachable from the other components so it can be easily replacedwithout replacing other system components. As a combination ofcomponents, a bag computer of this type may increase the diversity ofavailable component manufacturers to the advantage of the consumer.

Shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B, the computing unit panel 25 size and shapeand/or attachments found on it are designed to fit a mounting structurefound on the inside surface 75 of the bag's front 8 and/or top walls 2.The mounting structure may be a holster, holster 30 and flap 76, arrayof attachments or docking port of any sort which matches the computingunit panel and physically holds and aligns it to the inside of the bag'sfront wall, equipment mounted on the outside of the front wall and theprovisions on the bag for electrical connections.

The computing unit panel 25 may consist of a body that is panel shapedso that it may act as a rigid support for the bag's front wall andrender flat the computer equipment storage area 26 on the outside of thebag's front wall so that the display and manual character input devicemay pivot easily and store flat against the bag front. Shown in FIG. 51,the computing unit panel has a front side adjacent to the bag's frontwall when installed, an opposite back side 77, a top edge 78 nearest thebag's top when installed, an opposite bottom edge and two side edges 79.

The computing unit panel has electrical connections for the outsidemounted computer equipment such as a display and manual character inputdevice, and other equipments which may be held in the bag such asauxiliary batteries, peripherals.

On any side or edge near the top of the computing unit panel there maybe a display panel electrical connection 80, such as a plug or wire andplug, situated to connect and align with and designed to match theoutside mounted display panel or an electrical wire leading from it. Thecomputing unit panel may include a recessed area 87 a such as a grooveon its top or side edge to accommodate the electrical wire or plug sothat the electrical wire has room for slack so it will not break understress and so that the body shape is not substantially changed with orwithout the electrical connection in place.

On any side or edge near the bottom of the computing unit there may be amanual character input device electrical connection 81, such as a plugor wire and plug, situated to connect and align with and designed tomatch the outside mounted manual character input device or an electricalwire leading from it. Alternatively, the electrical connection may belocated near the display panel electrical connection to simplifyinstallation. The computing unit panel may include a recessed area 87 bor groove on its top, bottom or side edge to accommodate the electricalwire or plug so that the electrical wire has room for slack so it willnot break under stress and so that the body shape is not substantiallychanged with or without the electrical connection in place. Siderecessed areas and its plug may be configured to make the computerequipment wires bend about 90 degrees to provide slack in theconnection.

Since the bag computer is meant for mobile use, “instant on” capabilitywould be desirable. Instant on programming allows the computer tofunction within a few seconds and may not need to access any diskmemory. To allow instant on, the computer may be provided with a verysmall “introductory operating system” which can load itself and aninteractive choice of options shown in a picture on the display. Theoptions may include starting Windows or some other “normal” operatingsystem, starting television, starting telephone messaging or startingone or more programs located on removable memory inserts such as flashmemory sticks. The removable memory may contain maps, pictures,reference material or other information along with very simple and quickloading program to access this information.

Hence, the computing unit panel may have one or more memory receptacles82 for removable memory 83. The receptacles may be oriented to plug infrom the top so that the thinnest dimension of the removable memory, itsplug and memory receptacle match the thinnest dimension of the computer.Inserting the memory from the top also facilitates its installation. Thereceptacles may be slots, sockets or recessed areas in the computingunit panel so that the body shape is not substantially changed with orwithout the removable memory in place.

There may be additional plugs 84 for batteries, peripherals, such asearphones or microphone, or other controls of any sort on the computingunit panel back side, top, bottom or side edges. The plugs may bealigned and positions to match lining fixtures such as pockets, holdingstraps or wire covers found on the inside surface of the bag.

The computing unit panel may have one or more sound outlets 85 on itstop edge. The sound outlets may be associated attachments 86 to securethe outlet to complimentary attachments on a matching opening in thebag's top wall. The attachments may be snaps or channels and may be oneor more attachments or may form a perimeter around the speaker outlet.The speaker outlets may form a seal between the computing unit and thebag and this seal may form part of an assembly which includes theattachments.

The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein areexemplary and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements canbe readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which areintended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A computing device for mobile use comprising: a. a bag comprised of atop wall with opening to access a bag interior, the top wall joined to afront wall at a junction therebetween, the front wall having an insidesurface and an outside surface including a computer equipment storagearea on a portion thereof; b. a display panel pivotally attached to thebag wherein the display panel is positioned at a top of the computerequipment storage area proximal to the junction of the top and front bagwalls and oriented to pivot the display panel into and out of thecomputer equipment storage area; c. a computing unit panel attached tothe inside surface of the front wall of the bag; and d. an electricalconnection, the electrical connection configured to provide a conduit toelectrically connect the display panel to the computing unit panel. 2.The computing device of claim 1 wherein the computing unit panel isfurther comprised of at least one electrical connection, the electricalconnection configured to electrically connect the computing unit panelto at least one of a battery and peripheral.
 3. The computing device ofclaim 1 wherein the bag further comprised of a cover, the coverpivotably attached to the bag front wall and positioned at a bottom ofthe computer equipment storage area distal to the junction of the topand front bag walls wherein the cover is oriented to pivot from astorage position covering the computer equipment storage area to anoperating position exposing the computer equipment storage area.
 4. Thecomputing device of claim 1 wherein the computing unit panel is furthercomprised of at least one memory receptacle, wherein the memoryreceptacle is configured to hold a removable memory.
 5. The computingdevice of claim 4 further comprising at least one removable memory, theremovable memory configured to match and install into the memoryreceptacle.
 6. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the computingunit panel is removably attached to the bag.
 7. The computing device ofclaim 1 wherein the bag is further comprised of a mounting structure onthe inside surface of the front wall, the mounting structure configuredto hold the computing unit panel to the bag.
 8. The computing device ofclaim 1 wherein the computing unit panel is shaped and positioned on theinside surface of the front wall of the bag to render flat the computerequipment storage area on the outside surface of the front wall of thebag.
 9. The computing device of claim 1 wherein the display panel isremovably attached to the bag.
 10. The computing device of claim 1wherein the computing unit panel is further comprised of an electricalconnection, the electrical connection configured to provide a conduit toelectrically connect the computing unit panel to computer equipmentattached to the outside of the front wall of the bag.
 11. The computingdevice of claim 1 wherein the display panel is further comprised of afront side including a display, wherein the display faces away from thebag front when the display panel is in the computer equipment storagearea.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a manual controlon the display panel.